Concerns on the dosing of antitubercular drugs for children in RNTCP.
The Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program (RNTCP) has initiated provision of antitubercular therapy for children with strategy of patient-wise boxes for the 4 different weight bands (6- 10 kg; 11- 17 kg; 18- 25 kg; 26- 30 kg). We evaluated the dose of individual drugs delivered by this approach to children of varying weights. The following areas of concern were identified: underdosing of individual antitubercular drugs for many weights; lack of provision to modify doses when child gains weight and moves to another weight band; and, inappropriate formulations, particularly for infants. We conclude that the current dosing strategy used in RNTCP needs modification to prevent the significant risk of underdosing and undertreatment.
Lodha
Rakesh
R
Department of Pediatrics, AIIMS, New Delhi 110 029, India. rakesh_lodha@hotmail.com
Menon
P Ramesh
PR
Kabra
S K
SK
D000995:Antitubercular Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001835:Body Weight; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D003140:Communicable Disease Control / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D009313:National Health Programs; D014376:Tuberculosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control
D000995:Antitubercular Agents